Celebrating Christmas and New Years Eve in Chiang Mai
Celebrating Christmas and New Year's in Chiang Mai is a great idea! The weather is excellent. It is warm but not too hot during the day and cool in the evenings. Even though Thai people are mainly Buddhists, they never say no to a party. So if you visit Chiang Mai during the holidays, you won't have to miss the festive atmosphere back home too much. Whether it is a traditional Christmas dinner at the Duke, shopping for presents at Maya Mall or a local holiday market, or finding a Santa for the kids: read all about your options below.
Christmas in Chiang Mai: Shopping, decorations and holiday cheer.
The best guarantee to catch the Christmas vibe in Chiang Mai is at one of the malls. Chiang Mai has several large malls that all do their best to attract holiday shoppers. You'll be able to find almost all the same things you would find at a Western mall. Here is a little overview to get you started:
1. Maya Mall
Maya Mall is Chiang Mai's newest and most high-end shopping center, located on the intersection of Huay Kaew Road and Nimman. In terms of decorations, it probably takes the prize. The huge Christmas tree in front and the lights and decorations make for a great picture opportunity. Last year they even had fake snow! Of course, you'll hear all the Christmas hits on the speaker-system, but a choir also comes here to sing Christmas carols.
2. Central Festival Mall
In the competition for the biggest Christmas tree, Central Festival probably wins. Although a bit out of the center, this mall is easy to reach. Located northeast of the old city, right on the superhighway. Like Maya Mall, it has all the big brand stores but more of them. Moreover, its food court and supermarket at the basement level are much bigger than at Maya.
3. Central Airport Plaza Mall
We want to mention Central Airport Plaza Mall because of its unique atmosphere. It boats a massive Christmas tree in the center of the mall and has a great Christmas shopping atmosphere. It is one of the older malls in Chiang Mai. Other than the high-end malls, its stores are smaller and more thrifty (and therefore much cheaper!). If a pair of jeans or a sweater for under ten bucks sounds good to you, this is the place to go. Here, you will also find (Thai girls dressed up as) Christmas elves and holiday decorations. What makes it unique is the local Thai touch, such as the traditional food and craft market on the ground floor.
So where is Santa? Things to do with the kids.
We've not seen an actual 'Santa-stand' at any of these malls, but that doesn't mean there won't be any this year. Every year, Christmas at the Chiang Mai malls get bigger and better!
Several places organize Christmas events for families. Check out, for example, Nic's Restaurant & Playground, located a bit south of Chiang Mai. It has a big wooden playground where the kids can play while you chill out. Like last year, this year, they will organize a Christmas dinner and party with a four and five-course menu. They beautifully decorate their restaurant and will have a huge Christmas tree. And of course, Santa Claus is coming!
Also, a little south of Chiang Mai, you can find the Chiang Mai Ginger Farm. Besides its regular offering of educational activities, this year, it will again organize its Christmas Campfire Dinner. Kids and adults can roast marshmallows over a campfire and sing Christmas carols, make Christmas-tree decorations and bake cookies to their heart's delight. There is a rumor that Santa will also be here and pass out presents!
Eating: The best holiday foods in Chiang Mai.
Christmas is not complete without a proper Christmas dinner. You can find these at several restaurants around Chiang Mai. Here is a (small) selection of restaurants that offer a Western-style Christmas menu:
1. The Duke
Every year, the Duke is known to offer one of the best Christmas buffets in town. You'll be able to take your pick from all the favorites; roast turkey with stuffing, red-wine roasted beef, Brussels sprouts, and of course, butternut squash. Reserving is recommended, and it is not cheap, at almost Western prices. The Duke has three locations, though we recommend either the one next to the Ping river or the one at Maya Mall.
2. Chiang Mai Smoke House
If you love tasty meats, this is probably the place for you. The Chiang Mai Smoke House has been offering Christmas dinners for years now. It is more like a garden party buffet than a restaurant setting, though, so don't expect a wine-list or anything fancy. It is all-you-can-eat for a very reasonable price. A favorite among local expats, make sure to reserve in advance. Ordering your menu in advance for take-out is also an option.
3. Annies
For your typical English Christmas foods, go here. Of course, turkey is available, but also roast potatoes, Christmas pudding, and a great atmosphere, so you will want to stay for a couple of drinks after dinner. The dinner menu also is quite affordable here. Annies is located in the Old City close to the Three Kings Monument and Zoe in Yellow bar.
4. The UN Irish
The UN Irish also deserves mention here. Located smack in the middle of the old city, it has an excellent kitchen and friendly staff. Last year they had honey-glazed ham on the menu! Alternatively, try Sheryl's, right across the street from the UN Irish. Great locations if you want to go for drinks in the old town after.
As said, many other places also offer Christmas menus, such as most of the more prominent resorts and hotels. If you are looking for something more high-end, we recommend reserving a table at Le Bistrot de Chiang Mai. It has excellent food and service and a great ambiance. Alternatively, try 137 Pillars, set in a beautiful traditional Thai villa. Locally hyped David's Kitchen will probably require you to book far ahead. Other options are Billy's Restaurant, the Riverside Bar and Restaurant, and for an excellent Christmas brunch, try Breakfast World.
Celebrating the holidays: Local Chiang Mai events and Christmas Mass.
Of course, Christmas is a Christian holiday. Some of you may, therefore, want to go to a church service as part of celebrating it. At the Sacred Heart Cathedral, located on the banks of the Ping river, there is a Catholic mass in English. At the smaller Anglican All Saints church, also close to the old city, there is an English Christmas mass. In the Nimman area, you can find the Church of Christ, and they also offer an English celebration. The International House of Praise is located in the Santitham area, north of Nimman.
That the Thai themselves get into the holiday spirit is shown by the Ping Fai Festival. Held around 23-31 December, it looks, smells, and tastes like a Christmas market. Located right in the Nimman area on Suk Kasem road, it is easy to find and reach. Worth it to check out!
Where to go party for New Years Eve in Chiang Mai?
As said, Thais never miss an opportunity for a party. Even though it is not an official holiday, many places organize New Year's parties on the 31st of December. A good bonus is that all the shops stay open, so you can easily go to the shop to grab that extra bottle of Champagne. Of course, there also will be plenty of fireworks! Along with the fireworks, people also light the traditional hot air lanterns. It may not be so spectacular as during Loy Krathong, but it is still a beautiful sight.
If you want to catch a unique cultural experience, we recommend you go to one of the prominent temples. At Wat Phan Tao, monks and volunteers decorate the temple and the surroundings beautifully. There, and at Wat Lok Molee, there is a special Buddhist countdown ceremony to New Year. The droning mantras are nothing like any countdown you have ever experienced! Many Thai come there to pray and make wishes for the new year. Naturally, be respectful and dress appropriately for the occasion.
At Tha Pae Gate, there will be a countdown celebration with live music and fireworks. Down by the river, there usually is also an event. It will be either by the Chiang Mai Community Center or across the bridge on the eastern bank of the river.
1. Rooftop bars around Nimman
Alternatively, we suggest you find a rooftop bar or restaurant to enjoy the view and celebrate at midnight. Maya Mall's rooftop bars are a crowd favorite. You can usually find some live music here. The bars are excellent and offer a great view so you can see all the fireworks go off over the city. The same is true for the Akyra Manor's rooftop bar, called Rise, which hosts a New Years' party every year. From these places, it is not far to go to the Warm Up Bar, a club with live music and a techno area frequented by Thais and ex-pats.
2. (Rooftop) bars in the old city
In the city, there are some smaller bars like the THC Rooftop Bar and the more well-known Renegade Bar close to the Thapae Gate. The northeast corner of the moat is home to a small pocket of cool bars such as Radost Bar and our favorite Chill-out bar. The latter is almost literally a hole in the wall, with cheap beer and good company. All great places to catch a couple of drinks, socialize and celebrate the New Year!
3. Zoe in Yellow and the Riverside
More central in the old city are the bars and clubs around Zoe in Yellow, where there are always big parties on New Year's eve. Walk from there towards the old city moat at the Tha Pae Gate, and you'll pass many other options, including The Saloon. Their mojitos are strong and cheap, and some nights they organize late-night karaoke! From there, walk toward the river for a good view of the fireworks. Cross the river and turn left to find the Riverside Bar (also mentioned above) which features great live music later at night.
We hope these tips and suggestions will help you have a great time in our city. Happy holidays in Chiang Mai!
Tip: The 'real' Thai New Years’ Eve: Check out our Songkran BLOG here.